The School to Prison Pipeline in Utah

On October 6, 2014, the Public Policy Clinic released its report, From Fingerpaint to Fingerprints: The School to Prison Pipeline in Utah. Among other things, the report shows over 1,200 disciplinary actions were given in Utah elementary schools in 2011—including law enforcement referrals, school-related arrests, and expulsions. The data shows that children with disabilities are twice as likely to be disciplined at school as their non disabled peers and that children of color are 1.5 to 3.5 times more likely to be disciplined than white children.

The report provides examples of steps taken in Utah and by the Federal government, including the use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative practices in Utah’s schools. While these are positive first steps, more must be done.

The report is meant to share the data and start a statewide dialogue about this issue. The Public Policy Clinic is actively working on engaging the community in this issue. Many of the children being disciplined have learning disabilities, live in poverty, or have histories of abuse and neglect. They would benefit from additional educational and counseling services instead of suspensions and expulsions.

Students in the Clinic are meeting with Utah representatives and senators with the objective of finding a sponsor to create a state taskforce to examine this issue. The legislature is in the best position to take the lead and jump-start the conversation about how we can do a better job of keeping our kids in school. It is also in the best position to make sure key stakeholders—educators, parent groups, school administrators, school resource officers, and judges—are included.

Community investment in this dialogue and a commitment to create sustainable change will be the only way we can eliminate the school-to-prison pipeline in our state.

Recent Public Policy Clinic Posts

By Stephanie Pitcher for PublicPolicyClinic.org. The Public Policy Clinic has been forging ahead with several great projects this semester, building on the work from our recently published report and promoting community-wide conversations that would help dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline in Utah. Currently, the Clinic is focusing many of its efforts on outreach to school districts […]

By Vanessa Walsh for the Public Policy Clinic blog. On October 6, 2014, the Public Policy Clinic released its report, From Fingerpaint to Fingerprints: The School to Prison Pipeline in Utah. Among other things, the report shows over 1,200 disciplinary actions were given in Utah elementary schools in 2011—including law enforcement referrals, school-related arrests, and expulsions. […]

Students from the Public Policy Clinic are providing workshops in the community. These are free to attend. Hartland Partnership Center: October 26, 2:00 p.m.1578 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City Lied Boys & Girls Club: October 28, 4:00 p.m.464 South Concord Street, Salt Lake City Capitol West Boys & Girls Club: November 5, 4:30 […]

The Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune released articles covering the grades released for Utah schools. Utah assigns grades to all schools – how did yours do? Grades for Utah schools bring strong reaction from parents and educators

The Students Rights Brochure was produced by law students participating in the public policy practicum, and is targeted to high school students who have been suspended or expelled, or are at risk of facing suspension or expulsion. The brochure empowers students facing suspension or expulsion by informing students of their due process rights. High school students: […]

What is the School to Prison Pipeline? Over the past 15 years, students in Utah have been suspended or expelled for the following: wearing a pro-vegan t-shirt, unnatural hair color, and interrupting a school basketball game. This is part of a national phenomenon known as the school-to-prison pipeline, where students are ending up in the jailhouse instead […]